Here are some suggestions for planning a visit to Portland (all area codes are 503). For more information about the city, consult the Portland Convention and Visitors Association's Web site at www.pova.org, or call 1-87-PORTLAND.

Where to EatFor a quick bite during the National Genealogical Society conference, walk to Azteca restaurant in nearby Lloyd Center Mall for fast, healthy Mexican fare ($5-6, 282-3502). Or hop on MAX light rail for a 10-minute ride to downtown and Italian pasta and salad at Pasta Veloce ($8-10, 1022 SW Morrison, 916-4388).

McMenamins Kennedy School Courtyard Restaurant, part of a local chain of brewpubs, is located in a former grade school that also houses a movie theater and guest rooms ($6-10, 5736 NE 33rd, 249-3983, ).

If you're in a spontaneous mood, walk through Portland's trendy Northwest neighborhood, concentrated between NW 21st and 23rd avenues. Choose from a variety of eateries such as Marrakesh Moroccan restaurant at 1201 NW 21st Ave. ($8-17, 248-9442) or Tuscany Grill at 811 NW 21st Ave. ($15-16, 243-2757). Opt for an early dinner, as parking can be difficult in this area.